Printing-press.



PATENTED JUNE 20, 1905.

G. E. PANGOAST.

PRINTING PRESS.

APPLICATION FILED DEO.22,1904.

10 SHEETSSHEET 1.

WITNESSES.

ATTORNEYS PATENTED JUNE 20, 1905.

G. E. PANCOAST.

PRINTING PRESS.

APPLICATION FILED DBO.22,1904.

10 SHEETSSHEET 2.

INVENTOR WITNESSES: Q.

BY K WW ATTORN EY 5 PATENTED JUNE 20, 1905.

G. E. PANGOAST.

PRINTING PRESS.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 22, 1904- 10 SHEET gggzg Z Z 6 169 17a ,5; 6 61? 487 .1195

INVENTOR WITNESSES BY N,

PATENTED JUNE 20, 1905.

G. E. PANCOAST.

PRINTING PRESS.

APPLICATION FILED DBO. 22, 1904.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

PATENTED JUNE 20, 1905.

G. E. PANGOAST.

PRINTING PRESS.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 22, 1904 10 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

ATTORNEYS PATENTED JUNE 20, 1905.

G. E. PANUOAST.

PRINTING PRESS.

APPLICATION FILED DBO. 22, 1904.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

PATENTED JUNE 20, 1905.

G. B/PANGOAST.

PRINTING PRESS.

APPLICATION FILED DBO. 22

10 SHEETS-SHEET 7,

PATENTED JUNE 20, 1905.

G. E. PANCOAST.

PRINTING PRESS.

APPLIGATION FILED DEO.22,1904.

l0 SHEETS-SHEET 8 PATENTED JUNE 20, 1905.

G. B. PANGOAST.

PRINTING PRESS.

APPLICATION FILED DEO.22,1904.

1O SHEETSSHEET 9.

1 ATTO KW RNEYS PATENTED JUNE 20, 1905.

G. E. PANGOAST.

PRINTING PRESS.

APPLICATION FILED DBO. 22, 1904.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 10.

NITED STATES Patented June 20, 1905.

PATENT OFFIcE.

GEORGE E. PANOOAST, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO AMERI- CAN LITHOGRAPHIO COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF NElV YORK.

PRINTING-PRESS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 793,022, dated June 20, 1905.

Original application filed January 29, 1900, Serial No. 3,170. Divided and this application filed December 22, 1904. serial No. 237,951.

To all who/)1, it 11mg concern:

Be it known that 1, GEORGE E. PANcoAs'r, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Brooklyn, in the county of Kings and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Printing-Presses, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to printing-presses, and while as to some of its features it is not I confined to any particular method of printing or to any particular type of press it more especially relates to presses employing planographic designsurfaces, and more particularly to that type of such presses in which a 15 plurality of design-cylinders carrying planographic surfaces are arranged to print in registry upon paper or similar material in substantially instantaneous succession.

It is necessary or desirable that rotary multicolor-presses designed for executing the finer grades of work, and particularly those employing planographic design-surfaces, be so constructed that the inking-rollers and the damping-rollers also, where damping-rollers are employed, may at will be brought into and out of operative relation with the respective design-cylinders, and also that the design-cylinders may at will be brought into and out of operative relation with the im- 3 pression surface or surfaces, as when the press is stopped or when it is desired for any reason to suspend the printing operation. It is also necessary or desirable that such presses be constructed with ample provision for distribution of the ink and the damping fluid also. where damping fluid is employed, and that ample provision be made for accurate regulation of the supplies of the ink and the damping fluid. It is also necessary or desirable that the various rollers of the inking and damping mechanisms be reliably held in proper contact with each other, and particularly that the rollers which apply the ink and damping fluid to the design-surfaces be held in proper operative relation therewith.

An object of my invention is to provide a construction whereby the several operations or features referred to may be realized in a practical way.

More specifically, my invention has for an 5 object to provide a construction whereby the inking mechanism and the design-cylinders may at will be readily brought into or out of operative relation with little disturbance of the inking mechanism as a whole; also, to provide a construction whereby the design-cylinders and the impression mechanism also may at will be readily separated or brought together with little disturbance of the mechanism considered as a whole; also, to provide 6 a construction of inking mechanism which will insure thorough distribution of the ink and thorough application thereof to the dcsign-surfaces; also, to provide a construction of inking mechanism whereby the various 5 ink-distributing and ink-applying rollers are reliably held in proper contact with each other and with the design-surfaces and whereby frequent or accurate individual adjustment of the several rollers is rendered unnecessary; 7 also, to provide a construction of inking mechanism whereby the inking mechanism may be placed in a press in various positions with little disturbance or adjustment of the operative relations of the parts; also, to provide a construction of inking mechanism which is self-contained, and when a plurality of them are combined in a single machine to make them interchangeable, and to provide a simple and efficient operating means common to all or to a plurality of the inking mechanisms for bringing them into or out of operation and which will enable any one or more of them to be disconnected.

lt is also an object of my invention to pro- 5 vide a construction of damping mechanism whereby the damping-rollers and the designcylinders may at will be readily brought into or out of operative relation; also, to provide a simple and efficient operating means com- 9 mon to all or a plurality of the damping mechanisms, whereby the damping mechanisms may be brought into or out of-operation together with the inking mechanisms and with lng mechanism which is self-contained and simple in construction and reliable in operation and which does not require frequent or accurate individual adjustment of the various rollers, and in which the supply of damping fluid can beaccurately adjusted and reliably maintained.

It is also an object of my invention otherwise to improve the machine and the several parts thereof and the means for operating and controlling the same and to simplify and cheapen and render more practicable the use of multicolor-printing presses for the production of the finerclasses ofwork.

With these and other objects in View my invention consists in the novel parts, improvements, and combinations herein shown and described, in so far as the same do not form the subject-matter of any prior application, Serial N 3,17 0, of which this application-is a'division.

The accompanying drawings, which are referred to herein and form a part hereof, show one embodiment of my invention and the several features thereof, the machine illustrated being a multicolor press employing planoism illustrated in Fig. 4, the section'being taken On'theline 5 of Fig. L. Fig. 6 is an elevation of one of the inking mechanisms as viewed from the side of the machine opposite tothat illustrated in Fig. 1.- Fig.7 is a sectional view of the side of the inking mechanism illustrated in Fig. 6; the section being taken on the'line77 of Fig. 6.. Figs. 8 and 9 are sectional elevations, on a still larger scale, illustrating certain parts of the inkingmechanisms in different positions, the section in each case being taken on the lines 8 '8 of Fig."

5 and lookingin the direction of the arrow.

Figs. 10 and 11 are sectional details, takenonthe lines 10 10 and 11 11 of Figs. 8 and-9, respectively. Figs. 12 and 13 are respectively aside elevation and transverse section of a detail. Figxlt is an end view of the ink-supplying part of the inking mechanism. Fig. 15 is a plan view of the same. Fig. 16 is a View of the endof the same opposite to that-illustrated in Fig. 14. Figs. 17 and 18 are sectional views, taken at'right angles to each other, illustrating details of the same. Fig. 19 is a sectional elevation illustrating a means for supporting and operating the damping mechanisms, the design-cylinders and inking mechanisms being illustrated diagrammatically: Fig.

20 is an end elevation of one ofthe damping mechanisms on an enlarged scale. Fig. 21 is a broken side elevation illustrating the end of the damping mechanism appearing in Fig. 20.

Fig. 22 is an elevation of theend of the damping" mechanism opposite to -that shown'in: Fig. 20.

Fig. 23 is a broken side elevation of the same.

Figs. 24 to 31, inclusive, are detail views illustratingvari'ous features of the damping mechanism. Fig. 32 is a sectional elevation of the damping mechanism, taken on the line 32 32 of Fig. 21 and looking in the direction of the arrow. Fig 33 is asimilar viewillustrating the applying part of the damping mechanism in a different position. Figs. 34: to 37, inclusive, are sectional views illustrati=ng--variousdetails of the damping. mechanism.

Like reference-numbers indicate the same parts wherever. they occur throughout the several views.

Referring nowin' detail-to theparticular embodimentof theinvention illustrated in' the drawings, 1 represents an impressiomcylinder mounted upon a--shaft 2', journaled in suitable bearings 3 and 4., carried by themain= sideframes 5 and 6. Anysuitable impression mechanism--may be employed. Where the-= machine'is designed to-print'uponaweb; as in the particular embodiment shown, an impression-cylinder is preferably em ployed,andr the cylinder is provided with a substantially; circumferentially continuous impressionesurface 7 of suitable-material; such as. paper-or rubber composition, or both. The'impressioncylinder may bedriven in any-suitableway;

As shown, it is provided with'a ring-gearr8,

secured to oneend thereof and connected to any suitable source of power by a' train of= driving-gears 9.

The material to'beprinted upon maybe sup:-- plied to the impression mechanism in-any suitable form. In the construction shown the paper is supplied in the form of'aweb12, which is led from a supply-roll around a tension device consisting of-a roller 13, yieldingly and adjustably supported by springs 14:, which are mounted upon guiding'and ad justi-ngrods. From the tensiondevi'cethepaperis led toa: guide-roller 16. Then after passing around the impression-cylinder the web is guided bya series of disks 17 to a cutting. mechanism-18, where it is severed into sheets-which pass to a delivery device 19including a pair of endless chains 20, having-suitable grippers for carrying the sheets to a receiver. (Not shown.) The devices for manipulatingthe paper form no part of my present invention'and need-not be further described.

So far as some'of the'features of my inven-' tion areconcerned any suitable character of design-surface may-be employed. As to its mainfeatures', however, the invention-is par-- ticularly useful as embodied in machines employing planographic design-surfaces. \Vhere the machine is designed to print on a web, the design-surfaces are preferably cylindrical and circumferentially continuous, and they are preferably formed on hollow shell-like tubular structures adapted to be removably and replaeeably mounted upon cylindrical supports. In the particular machine illustrated in the drawings the design members are planographic, and they consist of thin shell-like tubes 21, removably and replaceably mounted on cylindrical supports 22, carried by shaft 23, journaled in boxes 24 and In accordance with one feature of my invention suitable means are provided whereby the design-cylinders and the impression mechanism may at will be readily separated or brought together, so that when the machine is stopped or the printing operation suspended the desigi'i-surfaees may be supported out of contact with the impression surface or surfaces as required to coat them with the gum used on lithographic or planographic surfaces to preserve the ink-repelling qualities of the non-printing'portions. In the particular construction shown the boxes 2% and 25, which support the design-cylimlers, are slidably mounted in radial guideways 26 and 27, formed in the frame of the machine, and they are connected to radiallyarranged sliding bars 28 and 29, suitably guided on the frame. The sliding bars 28 and 29 at the opposite sides of the machine are operated or controlled by a pair of rings 30, which are mounted on disks 31 and 32,suitablyjournaled on the side frames of the machine in concentric relation with the shaft 2 of the impression-cylinder 1. Each of the bars 28 and 29 is provided with a stud 33, which engages an elongated cam slot or groove 34C in the corresponding ring 30.

In the particular embodiment of the invention illustrated the cam-slots 34: are of the same length, and they are arranged in spirallike or eccentric relation to the axis of the rings, and they are spaced at angular distances from each other corresponding to the spacing of the design-cylinders around the impression-cylinder, so that when the ring-bearing disks 3'1 32 are rotated for a suitable distance in opposite directions the radial bars, together with the design-cylinders connected thereto, will be moved inwardly or outwardly, depending on the direction of the rotation of said disks. Each of the radial bars is preferably engaged at its inner end by a stiff spiral spring 33', which springs press the bars radially outward and serve to avoid lost motion between the pins and the can1grooves. Any suitable means may be provided for operating the disks 31 and with them the rings 30 in unison. As shown, said disks are provided with gear-segments arranged to mesh with pinions fixed near the oppositeends of a cross-shaft 35, suitably journaled in the side frames and driven in opposite directions from any suitable source of power by a train of gears 36.

Anysuitable means may be provided whereby the prcssure with which each of the design-cylinders bears upon the impression-cylinder may be independently varied. As shown, the sliding bars 28 and 29 are connected to the boxes 2* and at the opposite ends of the design-cylimlers by means of adjustable connections 37 and 38, the connections 37 being pivotally connected to the bars 28 and removably connected with the boxes 2* by nuts 39 and ell) to permit the design members to be removed from the design-cylinders and new ones SLllJSlJlf/Hf/Oll therefor.

The means whereby the design-cylinders of the particular machine illustrated in the drawings are supported and whereby provision is made for the removal and replacement of the design members is effected forms no part of my present invention, and they will therefore not be further described herein. The designcylinders may be driven in any suitable way. As shown, each of them is provided with a gear 53, secured to a lixcd collar 50, preferably by means permittingcirciunferential adjustment of the cylinder with relation to its gear. As shown, the gears 53 are engaged and driven by a gear 54:, lixed to the impression-cylinder l.

The machine is provided with an inking mechanism for each of the design-cylinders, and where planographic designsurfaccs are used the machine is also provided with a damping mechanism for each planographic design-surface.

In the particular embodiment of my invention illustrated in the drawings the several inking mechanisms are substantially the same in construction. A description of one of them, together with the description of the means whereby the several inking mechanisms are driven and controlled, will be sufficient. The inking mechanism in its preferred form may for convenience be described as consisting, primarily, of four partsviz., a supplying part for supplying the ink in regulated quantities, a distributing part for thoroughly breaking up or distributing the ink, an applying part for applying the distributed ink to the design-surface, and a conveying part for carrying the ink from the distributing part to the applying part. \Vhile the applying and conveying parts of the inking mechanism incidentally form branches or continuations of the distributing part, their main functions are to transfer the ink from the distributing part and apply it to the design-surfaces, the distributing part of the inking mechanism being of such a character as to thoroughly distribute the ink imlependcntly of the other parts of the inking mechanism, and it is to be understood that my invention in its broader aspects is not conlined to the employment of means corresponding to each 0f the parts into which the particular construction shown has for convenience of description been divided.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 4 to 9, inclusive, it will be observed that the larger portion of the inking mechanism is mounted in an auxiliary frame consisting of the side pieces or brackets 6O 61, fixed to and practically forming a continuation of the main side frames of the machine.

So far as some of the features of my invention are concerned any suitable ink-distributing mechanism may be employed. In accordance with the embodiment shown of one feature of my invention the distributing part of the inking mechanism consists of a plurality of hard rollers 63, 6A, 65, 66, and 67, preferably of metal, mounted in suitable bearings in the frames 60 and 61. A soft roller 68 is yieldingly held in contact with each two adjacent hard rollers 63 and 6 1, 64 and 66, 63 and 65, and 65 and 67, as shown, there being formed by this arrangement a double series of hard and soft rollers arranged alternately.

In accordance with one feature of my invention the contacts between the adjacent rollers are maintained by a yielding force, the means for yieldingly holding the rollers preferably acting on the rollers individually and being such as to compensate effectively for variations in the diameters of the rollers, whereby frequent or accurate individual adjustment of the rollers is rendered unnecessary. The means whereby the rollers are yieldingly held may be greatly varied in construction. The means shown consists of journaled boxes 69, one at each end of each roller, said boxes being loosely guided between the frames 60 61 and the heads of bolts or pins 70, the shanks of which pass through suitablyenlarged perforations in the boxes, as indicated in dotted lines. Each bearing is further guided by a rod 71, pivoted at one end to the frame and passing through a guide extension 72 of the bearing 69 and terminating in a guide-opening formed in the bearing in line with the opening in the extension 72. The end of each rod nearest the bearing is threaded and provided with an adjusting-nut 73, between which and the inner end of the guide extension 72 is confined a compressionspring 74. Each of the rods 71 being pivoted at its other end to a fixed part of the frame, the compression-spring tends to draw the bearing 69 inwardly and with it the roller carried thereby. By reason of the universal manner in which the bearings 69 are supported and guided the tension-springs 7A tend to keep thev rollers 68 constantly in contact with the adjacent hard rollers, and this contact will be maintained irrespective of the position of the inking mechanism in the press and irrespective of the inking mechanism with respect to the action of gravity on its various rollers. This construction also possesses the further advantage that inaccuracies or irregularities in the settings or adjustments and in the diameters of the rollers are effectively compensated for. In other words, it is not necessary that the rollers be adjusted with great accuracy or that they be frequently adjusted individually. All that is required in the way of individual adjustment of the rollers is adjustment of the compression of the springs 74.

In order that the rollers may be readily removed and replaced, the bearings 69 are provided with hinged sections 75, which are held in place by pivoted bolts 77, carrying thumbscrews 76. The hard rollers 63, 64:, 65, 66, and 67 are preferably driven positively. This may be accomplished by any suitable means. As shown, the shafts of said rollers are provided on the outside of the frame 61 with gears 83, 84:, 85, 86, and 87, respectively. These gears are driven from a shaft 88, which constitutes the main driving-shaft or power center, from which are driven all parts of the inking mechanism not driven frictionally by contact with the design-surface. As shown, the shaft 88 is driven from the gear 89, mounted on a pin 90', carried by a bracket 91, fixed to the side frame 6 of the machine, motion being conveyed from the gear 89 by a train of gears 92, 93, and 9a, the last of which is fixed on the end of the shaft 88. The in termediates 92 and 93 are preferably carried by a pair of links 95 and 96, as shown, this construction avoiding the use of long studs projecting from the side frames and affording ready access to the outer part of the designsurface besides forming a rigid and efficient support for the gears.

The gears 89 for all the inking mechanisms mesh with and are driven by a large gear 97, mounted concentrically with the impressioncylinder, preferably by being fixed to and driven by the shaft 2. In the particular construction shown the gear 97 thus constitutes a common actuating part for all the inking mechanisms and acts to drive them independently of the design-surfaces and independently of the damping mechanism. The shaft 88 carries a gear 100, which meshes with the gears 84, 85, 86, and 87 and drives the gear 83 through the gear 84, and a pinion 101, mounted on a fixed stud. The gear 100 and the pinion 101 are made wider than the gears with which they mesh to allow for the endwise reciprocation or vibration of the rollers to which the latter gears are fixed.

Any suitable means may be provided for vibrating the rollers. In accordance with one feature of my invention, however, the corresponding hard rollers of the two series are connected in pairs and vibrated in unison. The particular embodiment of this feature of my invention illustrated in the drawings is shown in detail in Figs. 6 and 7. In accordance with this construction the shaft 88 is extended through the frame and is provided at its end with a pinion 102. The pinion 102 meshes with a gear 103, the motion of which by means of beveled gears 104: and 105 is communicated to a shaft 106, arranged at right angles to the shaft 88 and provided with two oppositely-arranged cranks 109 between the brackets 107 103 and a crank 111 at its end beyond the bracket 108. The crank 109 en gages a slot in a cross-head 112, carried by and located between fixed collars on the shafts of rollers 66 and 67, and this causes these two rollers to vibrate in unison. The crank 110 is similarly connected with the rollers 16*1 165 by cross-head 113. The crank 111 is connected by a pitman 111 to a sliding head 115, confined between collars on the end of the shaft of the roller 6;. This construction, it will be observed, forms a simple, strong, and compact mechanism for vibrating the various rollers of the distributing part of the mechanism. By the arrangement of the rollers in a plurality of series and the vibration in opposite directions of the opposite rollers of each series the flow of ink is divided into a plurality of streams and each stream is independently and thoroughly distributed, thus insuring an even and uniform application of the ink to the design-surfaces. The ink is applied to the design-surfaces by a plurality of soft applying-rollers 120. The applying-rollers, as well as the other soft rollers of the inking mechanism, should be provided with surfaces of a material adapted to the particular class of design-surfaces with which the inking mechanism is employed. \Vith planographic design-surfaces the soft rollers usually consist of a soft inner or basic portion, as rubber or suitable fibrous material, and an outer covering of leather or felt or other suitable soft material.

The ink may be communicated from the distributing part of the inking mechanism to the applying part thereof in any suitable way. In accordance with one feature of my invention and with the particular embodiment thereof illustrated an intermediate or conveying part is provided for this purpose. As shown, the conveying part consists of a rider-roller 121, yieldingly held in contact with a pair of the applying-rollers, and a roller 122, yieldingly held in contact both with a roller of the distributing part of the inking mechanism and with the rider-roller 121.. The means for yieldingly holding the rollers 121 122 will be presently described.

It is desirable, especially where planographic design-surfaces are employed, to separate the design-surface and the applying-rollers when the machine is not in operation to prevent injury to the design-surface and to the applying-rollers, which would result from allowing them to remain long in pressure-contact when not in motion. In accordance with one feature of my invention this is accomplished by separating and bringing together the design-surface and the applying-rollers without disturbing the other parts of the inking mechanism as a whole. In accordance with the embodiment illustrated of this feature of the invention the applyingrollers are mounted in auxiliary frames 123, pivoted to the frame of the machine by bolts 121 and connected to suitable operating means, so that they may be moved about their pivots to carry the applying-rollers into or out of operative position with relation to the designsurface without moving the inking mechanism as a whole.

As shown, there are two pivotally-arranged frames 123, pivoted at opposite sides of the design-cylinder and each carrying a pair of applying-rollers. The means shown for controlling and actuating the pivoted frames consists of a pair of rock-shafts 125 126, each extending transversely through the machine and connected near its opposite ends with a pair of the frames 123, carrying the opposite ends of a pairof the implying-rollers 120, the

shaft 125 being connected with the frames 123 at one side of the design-cylinder by means of arms 12? and links 129 and the shaft 126 being connected with the frames at the opposite sides of the design-cylinder with pairs of arms 128 and links 130. Any suitable means may be provided for operating the shafts 125 and 126. The means shown will be presently described.

In accordance with one feature of my invention the applying-rollers are yieldingly held in contact with the design-cylinder when in operative position, said means being adapted to compensate effectively for variations in the diameters of the rollers and also to hold said rollers in operativeposition irrespective of the gravity relation between said rollers and the design-cylinder. This holding means may be widely varied in construction. As shown, the applying-rollers are mounted in journaled boxes 131, slidably supported in the frames 123 and pressed toward the designcylinder by compression-springs 132, confined between the boxes 131 and adjacent nuts 133, mounted on guide-studs131. The rider-rollers 121, which are preferably hard-surfaced rollers, are yieldingly held in contact with the two adjacent applyingrollers 120 by means of bearings 135, slidably mounted on pivotbolts 13T, having elongated openings indicated in dotted lines, rods 138 also pivoted on the bolts 137 and passing through openings in lugs 13$), formed on the bearings 135, the outer ends of the rods 138 being threaded and provided with adjustingnuts 14:0, between which and the lugs 13.) are confined compression-springs 14:1. By reason of this construction the riders will be yieldingly held in contact with both adjacent applying-rollers under the same pressure.

The rollers 122, which are preferably soft rollers, are, in accordance with the construction shown, mounted in bearings 1 15, slidably mounted and guided on rods 1&6, which are pivoted concentrically with the rollers 66 and 67. The outer or free ends of the rods 1 16 are threaded and provided with adjustingnuts 1&7, between which and the inner ends of the bearings 1&5 are confined compression-springs 148. By reason of this construction the rollers 122 will always be held in yieldingcontac-t with the rollers 66 and 67 irrespective of such variations in the diameters of the rollers as are liable to and do occur from time to time by reason of shrinkage or swelling or wear of the rollers and also irrespective of the gravity relations between these rollers.

For the purpose of permitting the applying-rollers to be moved into and out of operative relation with the design-surface and to maintain a constant connection between the applying-rollers and the distributing part of the inking mechanism irrespective of the position of the applying-rollers the rollers 122 are preferably also yieldingly held in contact with the rider-rollers 121. This may be accomplished by any suitable means. As shown, compression-springs 150 are used, the same being confined between pivot-blocks 151, connected to the bearings 1 15, and pivot-blocks 152, pivotally mounted on the frame, as clearly shown in Fig. 10, suitableadjustment being provided to vary the tension of the springs 150. It will be understood that each of the rollers is provided at each end with yielding holding means of the character described and shown in Figs. 8 to 11. Each of the holding means is also constructed to permit ready removal of the rollers from the machine when desired.

Referring now to the particular means illustrated for operating the shafts 125 and 126, (see Figs. 1 and 3,) it will be observed that said shafts are geared together near one end by suitable pinions or segments 155 156, so as to cause them to rotate in opposite directions in unison. As shown, the shaft 126 of each of the inking mechanisms is provided with anarm 157, said arm being preferably adjustably connected with the shaft by means of a bolt 158, engaging a slot 159 in the arm. The arms 157 ofthe adjacent inking mechanisms are connected together by links 158, each of which is preferably and as shown made adjustable in length.

So far as some of the features of my invention are concerned any suitable means may be employed for actuating theseveral shafts 126 in unison. As shown in Fig. 1, the arms 157 on the shafts 126 of the two lower inking mechanisms are connected to an arm 159 by links 160, and the arm 159 is suitably pivoted on the lower part of the frame and is connected to one of the segment-disks 32 by a pin 162, fix-ed on the segment and engaging a slot 163 inthe arm. By reason of thisconstruction whenever the segment 32 is moved to carry the design-cylinders into or out of operative relation with the impression-cylinder the applying-rollers of the inking mechanisms will be also moved into or out of operative relation with .the design-cylinders. By reason of the adjustments described the applying part as a whole of each of the inking mechanisms may be adjusted independently of the other applying parts, so as to bring them into proper operative position with the corresponding design-cylinder, but when once adjusted will require little or no further attention by reason of the means for yieldingly holding the applying-rollers in operative position. By reason of the means for yieldingly holding the various rollers of the several inking mechanisms in contact, moreover. frequent or accurate individual adjustment of the rollers will be rendered unnecessary.

So far as some of the features of my invention are concerned any suitable mechanism maybe provided for supplying ink to the inkdistributing mechanism. I n accordance with one feature of my invention, however, the ink-supplying part includes an ink-fountain and a ductor-roller and means for supporting and operating the same so constructed that the fountain may be arranged in a level position irrespective of the position of the inking mechanism in the press. In accordance with the particular embodiment of this feature of my invention illustrated (see Figs. 1, 2, and

12 to 18, inclusive) the ink-supplying part comprises a fountain 165, in which is mounted for rotation a fountain or ductor roller 166. Arranged above the fountain and in contact with the ductor-roller is a ductor-blade 1 67 of the usual construction and with the usual means for varying the pressure thereof on the ductor-roller, so as to vary the amounts of ink delivered from the fountain. The ink is transferred from the fountain-roller to the first roller 63 of the distributing mechanism by a ductor-roller 168, the fountain-roller being moved intermittently and the ductorroller being moved first into contact with the fountain-roller and then into contact with the roller 63.

In order that the fountain may be arranged in a level position irrespective of the position of the inking mechanism in the press without deranging the operative relation between the fountain-roller and the ductor-roller and between the ductor-r-oller and the distributingroller, the fountain and ductor are made adjustable together as a unit with relation to the rest of theinking mechanism. This is accomplished by mounting the fountain and ductor, together with their operating mechanisms, on an auxiliary frame consisting of side pieces 169 and 170, pivotally mounted in concentric relation with the roller 63 and rigidly connected together by the fountain 165, as shown in Fig. 15. he fountain-roller 166 shown consists of a short shaft 175, (see Fig. 18,) mounted in a frame 170 and connected by a clutch 176 with the shaft of the fountainroller, so that the fountain roller may be readily removed when desired. The shaft 175 carries a ratchet-wheel 177, which is engaged by a pawl 178, carried by an arm 179, loosely pivoted on the end of the shaft 175.

To regulate the distance through which the fountain-roller is turned on each operation of the pawl, a guard-cam 181) is provided, the same being loosely mounted on the shaft 170 and held by an arm 181, having a spring-detent 183, adapted to engage a notched segment 182, fixed on the frame 170. The pawl-carrying arm 179 is oscillated by a crank-pin 184:, carried on the cam-disk 185 through a connecting-rod 186. The cam 185 is carried by a gear 187, loosely mounted on a stud 188, fixed in the bracket 189, carried by the side frame 161 in the inking mechanism, as clearly shown in Fig. The gear 187 is driven from the power-shaft 188 of the inking mechanism by a compound gear-train consisting of the pinion 190, journaled on the stud 191 and carrying a gear 192, which is driven from a pinion 193, fixed on the shaft 188. The stud 188 is preferably mounted concentrically with the shaft of the roller 63, or substantially so, in order that the throw of the pawl 178 will be the same for all positions of the auxiliary frame of the supplying part of the inking mechanism with reference to the other parts of the inking mechanism.

The ductor-roller 168 is mounted on a pair of arms 195, loosely pivoted on a rock-shaft 196, mounted in the frames 169 and 170 and provided with an arm 197, adapted to engage the cam 185. The arm 197 is held in contact with the earn 185 by an arm 198, provided at the other end of the shaft 196 and arranged to engage a spring 199, which is confined between said arm and an adjusting-nut 201) upon a rod 201, pivoted to a fixed part of the frame 169. To insure a uniform pressure between the ductor-roller and the fountain-roller on the one hand and between the ductor-roller and the distribntingroller 63 on the other hand, the arms 195 are comiected-with the shaft 196 by means of springs 202, carried by fixed collars 203 on the shaft 196 and arranged to loosely engage the arms 195. The tension of the springs 202 may be adjusted by means of fixed guides 201, adjustably mounted on the collars 293. The bearings for the ductorroller 168 on the arms 195 are provided with hinged sections 205 to enable the roller to be readily removed.

Any suitable mechanism may be provided for fixing the fountain and ductor roller carrying frames with the fountain in level posi- As shown in Fig. 2, the fountains for tions.

the two upper inking mechanisms are supported by brackets 296. The fountains of the two lower inking mechanisms on each side of the machine are supported from the brackets 206 by tie-rods 207 208.

So far as some of the features of my in vention are concerned any suitable construction of damping mechanism may be adopted. In accordance with one feature of my invention, however, the several damping mechanisms or the water-applying parts thereof are constructed to be brought into or out of operative relation with the several design-cylinders, and this operation is effected by a movement about a common center. In accordance with another feature of the invention each of the several damping mechanisms includes a watersupplying and water distrilniting and applying parts, and the various rollers of the damping mechanism are yieldingly held in contact by means adapted to compensate effectively for variations in the diameters of the rollers, whereby frequent or accurate individual adjustment of the rollers is rendered unnecessary; also, to hold the rollers in operative position irrespective of the location of the damping mechanism in the press and irrespective of the gravity relation between adjacent rollers or between the applying-rollers and the design-surfaces. The damping mechanisms are also self-contained in that they are provided with independent driving means, from which all parts of the damping mechanisms not frictionally driven by the design-surfaces are operated, said driving means being associated with the damping mechanisms and forming a part thereof.

Referring now in detail to the particular embodiments of these features of my invention illustrated and more particularly to Figs. 3 and 19 to 37, inclusive, it will be observed that the several damping mechanisms are mounted on a pair of rings 212 and 213, mounted in concentric relation with the impression-cylinder on the inner surfaces of the side frames 5 and 6. The damping mechanisms for the two uppermost design-cylinders and the two lower design-cylinders at the lefthand side of the machine, as seen in Fig. 19, are mounted in pairs of frames 210 211, while the damping mechanisms for the two lower design-cylinders at the right-hand side of the machine, as illustrated in Fig. 19, are mounted in pairs of side frames 211 215, having a slightly-different shape from thatof the frames 210 211. Each pair of side frames is secured together and braced by a rod 211. The rings 212 and 213 are connected to move in unison by means of short gear-segments 216, which mesh with pinions 217 on the transverse shaft 218. The shaft 218 is controlled by a lever 219, (see Fig. 1,) which is yieldingly pressed in a direction to bring the damping mechanisms into contact with the design-surfaces by a compression-spring 220, confined on a rod ICS 221 between a shoulder thereon and a fixed guide 222, the movement of the lever in the said direction being adjustably limited by nuts 223, threaded on the end of the rod 221. The lever 219 is positively operated in the opposite direction to separate the damping mechanisms from the design-cylinders by a pin 224, carried by the segment-disk 32. Each of the damping mechanisms shown includes a fountain 225, a fountain-roller 226, a ductor-roller 227, a distributing-roller 228, and a pair of applying-rollers 229. The ductor-roller 227 and the applying-rollers 229 are soft rollers made of any material suitable for use in connection with the damping solution employed and with the design-surfaces. They may, for example, be made of soft rubber covered with a fabric, the fabric preferably used being known to the trade as moleskin. The fountainroller 226 ispreferably made of brass covered with a suitable fabric, such as muslin, and is journaled in the side frames 210 211. In order that the damping mechanism may occupy various positions in the press and the fountain 225 be supported in a level position, the latter is adjustably mounted with relation to the other parts by any suit-able means. As shown, the fountain is carried by a frame 230, adjustably mounted concentrically with the fountain-roller 226 and secured in the adjusted position by means of bolts 231 passing loosely through slots 232 and entering certain of the threaded holes 233 in the frames 210 211.

Any suitable means may be provided for driving the fountain-roller. In accordance with the embodiment of the invention illustrated the fountain-roller isdriven by disk 235, the sleeve of which is splined to the shaft 236 of the fountain-roller and is journaled in bushings 237 238, the latter of which is threaded in the frame-piece 211, so that it may be ad justed therein to vary the position of the disk and hold the same up to its work. The bushing 237 serves as a support for the frame 230 of the fountain. The friction-disk 235 is driven by a wheel 2 10, splined on a shaft 241, which is journaled in brackets 242 and 2&3 and arranged transversely on the disk 235, as shown. The wheel 2&0 may be adjusted to engage the disk 235 at various distances from its center by means of the guide-bracket 244:, which may be secured at various positions along the slot-bar 2 15 by a clamp-nut 2 16. The shaft 2411 may be driven in any suitable way. As shown it is driven bya worm-wheel 247, secured at one end thereof and engaging a worm 248, formed on one end of the driveshaft 250 of the damping mechanism. Backward rotation of the fountain-roller by the momentum of the ductor-roller 222 is prevented by a roller-detent 251, mounted in a recess in the bushing 238 in position to engage the sleeve of the disk 235 and held constantly in operative position by a spring 252. (See Figs. 36 and 37.) The ductor-roller 227 is mounted in a pair of arms 255, pivoted on a rock-shaft 256, journaled in the frame 210 211, the arms 255 being yieldingly confined to rock with the shaft 256 y means of spring 257, carried by the fixed collars 258, as and for-the reasons previously described in connection with the ink ductor-roller. The shaft 256 is provided at one end with an arm 260, to which is pivoted a forked bar 261, carrying a friction-roller 262, adapted to engage a cam 263, fixed on the outer end of the shaft 241. The opposite end of shaft 256 is provided with an arm 264, between which and an adjustable collar on a pivoted rod 266 is confined a compression-spring 265.

In accordance with one feature of the invention the damping mechanism is constructed to be driven by the design-cylinder when in contact therewith, and means are provided whereby the damping mechanism is driven when not in contact with the design-cylinder at substantially the surface speed of the de sign-cylinder. The mechanism whereby this feature of the invention-may be carried into. effect may be widely varied in detail. As shown, a distributing-roller 228 is driven from the shaft 250 when the damping mechanism is not in operative position by a belt 268, passing around a pulley 269 on the shaft 250, and a pulley 270, mounted on a sleeve 271, keyed to the shaft of the roller 228. The pulley 270 is connected to the sleeve 271 through a friction-clutch roller 27 2, which is held in operative position by a spring 273. (See Figs. 25 and 26.) This driving mechanism for the roller 228 drives the same and the applying-rollers 229 at a slightly-slower speed than that of the design-cylinder when the applying-rollers are not in contact with the design-cylinder, but allows the rollers to be driven by the design-cylinder at a faster speed when in contact therewith.

In accordance with one feature of the invention the applying-rollers 229 are yieldingly held in contact with the design-cylinder and with the distributing-roller 228 when in operative position by means adapted to compensate effectively for variations in the diameters of the applying-rollers and adapted to hold the rollers in operative position irrespective of the gravity relation between the applying rollers and the design cylinder. Any suitable means may be provided for this purpose. In accordance with the construction shown the rollers 229 are supported by auxiliary frames 275, pivotally mounted concentrically with roller 228 and bushings 276, which form also the bearings for the shaftof said roller. These frames 275 are secured in their adjusted positions by the bolts 277 passing through slots in the frames and into the frames 210 211. The applying-rollers 229 are independently mounted in oppositelyar ranged supports 278, pivoted at 279 to the frames 27 as shown. The rollers 9.29 are journaled in boxes 280. slidably mounted in slots in the supports 27S, and are pressed inwardly by the compression-springs 281. One of the supports 278 is provided with a stopfinger 282, which acts to limit the movement of the rollers away from the roller 228 and toward the designcylinder. The stop 282 comes into operation before the boxes 280 reach the inner ends of the slots in the supports 278, thus causing the rollers 229 to be yieldingly held in contact with the distributing-roller 2.28 when the damping mechanism is out of contact with the design-cylimler. hen the damping mechanism is brought into contact with the design-cylinder, the rollers 229 are forced back with relation to the distributing-roller 228, the stop-linger 282 being thus separated from the opposite arm 2'78 and the rollers slightly separated, so that they will be yieldingly held in contact both with the roller 228 and with the design-cyl inder by the springs 281.

The shafts 250, which independently drive all parts of the damping mechanisms not frictionally driven from the design cylinders when the damping mechanisms are in operative position, receive motion from the gear 5*, carried by the impression-drum, said gear 5% thus constituting a common actuating part for the independent driving shafts of the damping mechanisms.

The damping mechanisms for the two lower design-cylinders (shown to the right in Fig. 19) are each provided with an extra distributing-roller 226, the purpose of which is to enable the ductor 227 to receive water from the fountain-roller 226 without interfering with the leveling adjustment of the fountain This necessitates a little variation in the shape of the frames of the various damping mechanisms, which are in other respects alike.

The operation of the machine as a whole will be clear from the above description, in which the operation of the various parts has been set forth in connection with the description of the construction thereof. It only remains to set forth the operation of the controlling means for the printing, inking, and damping mechanisms when these mechanisms are brought into and out of their operative relations. In Fig. 1 the parts are shown in their inoperative positions. Assuming that the machine is equipped with design-surfaces, that the inking and damping mechanisms are supplied with ink and water, respectively, and that the press has been set in motion, the printing operation is started by moving the segment-disks 31 and 32 in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 1. This causes the design-cylinders and the inking and damping mechanisms to move toward their operative positions, the connections between all said parts and the disks 31 32 being in operain Fig. 1. The parts are so constructed and timed, however, that the damping mechanisms will be brought into contact with the design-cylinders before the inking mechanisms are brought into such contact and before the design-cylinders are brought into contact with the im n'ession-cylinder or the paper thereon. The inking mechanisms are next brought into contact with the designcylinders, and finally the latter are brought into contact with the paper, whereupon the printing operation will proceed until the controlling mechanism is moved in the opposite direction. This predetermined sequence in which the parts are brought into operation is brought about by so shaping the cam-slots in the rings 30 that the design-0ylinders move slowly or not at all during the lirst part of the movement of the controlling mechanisms or until the damping and inking rollers are in contact therewith.

The damping mechanisms are brought into contact with the design-cylinders in the first part of the movement of the segment, the roller 22% moving away from the lever 229 when this operation is completed. The further movement of the controlling mechanism brings the ink-applying rollers into contact with the design-cylinders, and then the inkapplying rollers and design-cylinders move together until the design-cylinders are brought into contact with the impression-cylinder, whereupon the movement of the controlling mechanism is stopped. Any slight inequalities in the movements of the design-cylinders and the frames carrying the ink-applying rollers after the latter are brought into contact with the design-cylinders are equalized by the yielding supports for the applyingrollers. Preferably the movements of the parts are so timed that the ink-applying rollers will be yieldingly held in contact with the design-cylinders before the latter reach the printing position, a thorough application of the ink, and cimsequently good impressions from the very beginning of the printing operation, being thus secured.

To stop the printing operation, the sequence in which the parts are separated should be the reverse of that in which they are brought into operation, and that reverse sequence is secured by merely reversing the movement of the controlling means. Thedesign-cylinders are first separated from the impression-cylinder, then the inking mechanisms are separated from the design-cylinders, and, lastly, the damping mechanisms are separated from the design-cylinders. \Vhile it is desirable to preserve the above sequence to avoid injury to the parts and especially to the design-carrying surfaces, the intervals between the times when the various parts are broughtinto or out of operation may be very short or sensibly instantaneous. It is notneecssary, moretive engagement with said disks, as illustrated l over, to move the controlling mechanism, and

with it the inking and damping mechanisms, through their full range to stop and start the printing operation. It will be observed that the printing operation will be stopped by merely moving the controlling mechanism far enough to separate the design-cylinders from theimpression-cylinder. Itis preferred, however, to move the controlling mechanism far enough to separate all the parts, so that there may be nothing in contact with the designsurfaces when the machine is stopped, thus leaving said surfaces free to receive a coating of gum or a similar protecting layer.

It will be noted that the connections between the design-cylinders and the connecting mechanisms and the common actuating means are positive connections, while the connection between the damping mechanisms and the common actuating means is not positive and does not connect said parts at all times. It is to be observed, however, that the form of any of these connections is immaterial, and so far as some of the features of my invention are concerned they may be such that the various parts of the press may be moved into or out of operative position independently of each other.

Among the advantages of my invention not previously referred to the following may be mentioned: All the parts are readily accessible, each mechanism being independent of the others. The parts of the machine may be readily assembled and any particular part may be removed and replaced without disturbing other parts of the press. The inking mechanisms are free from all obstructions and are in full view of the operator and are easily accessible for cleaning and by reason of the fact that they are fixed and extend outwardly away from the main center of the machine the distributing surfaces or areas may be made as large as desired and without an undue multiplication and complication of parts. The ink-fountains are open and of simple construction and they can be readily inspected and kept supplied with ink. The flow of ink through the distributing mechanism is divided into a plurality of independent streams which are independently distributed and independently applied to the printing-surfaces. The damping mechanisms are simple in construction, compact, and have open fountains and ample means for regulating the supply of dam ping fluid. Many other advantages of the invention and the various features thereof will readily appear to those skilled in the art.

The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the particular mechanism illustrated and described nor to any particular mechanism by which it has been or may be carried into effect, as numerous changes may be made in the construction, many of which will readily suggest themselves to skilled press-builders. My invention, therefore, is to be regarded as including all forms of mechanism which may serve to carry the improvements and combi nations herein disclosed into practical effect.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as novel, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. A rotary printing-press including in combination, a plurality of design-cylinders, a plurality of inking mechanisms therefor, each comprising a distributing part and an applying part, and means whereby two or more of said applying parts and the corresponding clesign-cylinders may at will be brought into or out of cooperative relation without disturbing the corresponding distributing parts.

2. A rotary printing-press including in combination, a plurality of design-cylinders, a plurality of inking mechanisms therefor, each comprising a distributing part and an applying part, and means including a member common to the applying parts of two or more of said inking mechanisms whereby said two or more applying parts and the corresponding design-cylinders may at will be brought into or out of cooperative relation without disturbing the corresponding distributing parts.

3. A rotary printing-press including in combination, a plurality of design-cylinders, a plurality of inking mechanisms therefor, each comprising a distributing part, an applying part, and a conveying part between the distributing and applying parts, and means whereby two or more of said applying parts and the corresponding design-cylinders may at will be brought into or out of cooperative relation without disturbing the corresponding distributing parts.

4:. A rotary printing-press including in combination, a curved circumferentially-continuous design member, an inking mechanism therefor comprising a distributing part, an applying part for continuously applying ink to the design member while the press is printing, and means whereby said applying part and the design member may at will be readily separated or brought together without moving the distributing part.

5. A rotary printing-press including in combination, a curved circumferentially-continuous design member, an inking mechanism therefor comprising a distributing part, an applying part for continuously applying ink to the design member while the press is printing, a conveying part between the distributing and applying parts, and'means whereby said applying part and the design member may at will be readily separated or brought together without moving the distributing part.

6. A rotary printing-press including in combination, a plurality of curved circumferentially-continuous design members, a plurality of inking mechanisms therefor, each comprising a distributing part, an applying part for continuously applying ink to the design member while the press is printing, and means whereby two or more of said applying parts 

